Organizational Structure

In the Catholic tradition, we create an inclusive, educational environment which motivates and supports student learning and personal development, serves the University community, and inspires students to make a positive contribution to society. The Division of Student Affairs is comprised of many multi-faceted areas within the University. Student Affairs collaboratively works with Academic Affairs and all other areas of the University to create an integrated learning environment.

The Student Affairs division houses three major functional areas of the University of San Diego, the Dean of Students area, the Student Life area and the Wellness area.

Vice President of Student Affairs Office

Vice President Vazquez brings leadership, vision and experience in student development, human resource management, strategic planning, fiscal control, facilities planning and management and auxiliary services to her position at USD.

The Student Affairs Division is comprised of the following areas: Student Life, Dean of Students, Wellness, and Resource Management.

The Dean of Students area is responsible for Residence Life, Center for Student Success, Student Conduct, Olé Weekend, and Graduate Student Life.

The Wellness area is comprised of the Center for Health and Wellness Promotion, Counseling Center, Disability Services, and the Student Health Center.

Resource Management oversees educational and general budgets, supports auxiliary services and the Human Resource aspects of the division.

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students’ Area is led by Donald Godwin, Ed.D., Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students. Dr. Godwin joined the Student Affairs team in January 2007.

Currently, the DOS Area is comprised of Residential Life, Center for Student Success (retention services and initiatives, transfer and commuter student services), Assistant Dean of Students office (Olé Weekend, Graduate Student Life, and Student Conduct), Associate Dean of Students (assessment, graduate student training and development, strategic planning coordination), AVP/Dean of Students (crisis management, supervision of units in the area).

Student Life

The Assistant Vice President for Student Life, Cynthia M. Avery, Ed.D., leads the Student Life area. Dr. Avery joined USD in August of 2008.

Currently, the following areas are under Dr. Avery’s leadership: University Centers (Hahn University Center and Student Life Pavilion) and Student Activities (UCSA), Student Organizations, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Associated Students (undergraduate student government), and the United Front Multicultural Center. The Student Life Team works to ensure connections for student learning inside and outside of the classroom. Furthermore, this team ensures students have opportunities for engagement in healthy, productive activities that support their holistic development.

Wellness

The Assistant Vice President position for the Wellness area is currently vacant.

The Wellness area is comprised of the Center for Health and Wellness Promotion, the Counseling Center, Disability Services, the Student Health Center, Campus Recreation, Outdoor Adventures, and the Women's Center. Together, the Wellness units strive to provide culturally congruent and effective services aimed at supporting the mission of the university by preventing and/or ameliorating medical, psychological and lifestyle barriers to learning, and by providing individualized assistance to students in need. In addition to the coordination of all wellness services to students, the Wellness area also coordinates the Student Health Insurance program and the Crisis and Emergency Response efforts for Student Affairs.